How to Get Your Estate Agency Business Off the Ground Before the Launch

Starting your own estate agency is an exciting adventure, but before you even get to the fun part—helping clients buy, sell, and rent properties—there’s a bit of groundwork to be done. The paperwork, registering your business, and setting up with Companies House and HMRC can take time. While you're waiting for business cards, leaflets, and For Sale boards to arrive, you might be wondering: What should I be doing to prepare?

The answer is simple: set yourself up for success from day one. By focusing on foundational tasks now, you'll be ready to hit the ground running as soon as your business officially launches. Let’s break down some tasks that can make a big impact and set you on the right track.

1. Start Building Your Network

The phrase "six degrees of separation" tells us that we are all connected to one another by just six people. This means that your network is more powerful than you think, and it’s time to use it to your advantage.

The first thing you can do is create a short video to introduce yourself and your new business. This video should be simple and genuine—let people know who you are, where your agency is based, and that you’re looking for people to refer clients who are interested in buying, selling, or renting in your area.

Here’s a simple script you can use for your video:

“Hello, I hope you are well. You may have seen online that I’m about to launch my own estate agency business in insert your area here. It would be amazing if you knew anyone looking to sell, buy, or rent a property in the area. If you do, I would be so grateful if you could connect me with them. Thank you so much in advance—see you soon!”

This video should be casual, welcoming, and direct. It’s not about tailoring the message to every individual; rather, it’s about sending a universal message that resonates with your contacts. People connect with video because it feels personal, and that will increase your chances of a response.

2. Send It to Your Contacts

Once you’ve got your video, it’s time to send it to your network. A quick and effective way to get this message out is by using WhatsApp’s ‘broadcast lists’. This allows you to send one message to multiple people at once, without them seeing that it’s a mass message. Select all your contacts, upload your video, and hit send.

This approach saves time and makes sure everyone gets your message, even if you don’t have time to individually message each person. Once you’ve sent it out to your contacts on WhatsApp, don’t forget to post it on your social media platforms as well. Although social media platforms don’t have the same bulk-send functionality, sending it to each contact will only take 30 seconds.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out

If you feel hesitant about messaging everyone in your phone or social media list, you’re not alone. It’s normal to worry about how you might come across to friends and family, but trust me: if you want your estate agency to succeed, you need to share your journey. The more people who know what you're doing, the more likely you are to get referrals.

You may feel self-conscious about sharing your new business with your network, but it’s better to let people know what you’re up to than keep it to yourself. In the early stages of your business, referrals can make all the difference. Plus, if you don't ask for help, who will?

4. Push Through the Fear of Failing

It’s easy to worry that if your business doesn’t work out, you’ll look foolish. But this kind of thinking can actually hold you back. If you don’t reach out, if you don’t let people know about your business, you won’t have the opportunities you need to succeed. You’re building a brand, and that means telling people about it—even when it feels uncomfortable.

The truth is, everyone starts somewhere, and chances are, your friends and family will be rooting for you. Even if your estate agency doesn’t take off overnight, they’ll remember that you had the courage to go for it, and they’ll respect you for it.

5. Be Consistent

Once you’ve reached out to your contacts and shared your video, continue engaging with your network regularly. Keep posting on social media, stay active in local groups, and look for ways to provide value. As your business grows, you’ll need to keep nurturing these connections to ensure that when people think of selling or renting in your area, they think of you.

Final Thoughts

Setting up an estate agency is not just about the technical side of business. It’s also about building relationships and letting people know who you are and what you’re offering. While you’re waiting for your printed materials, take this time to leverage your network, reach out to potential clients, and set yourself up for success. In the end, it’s all about taking action now, so that when your business officially launches, you’re not scrambling for your next steps—you’ll already have a solid foundation to build on.

Good luck, and remember: success starts with making the first move!